If you like YA fiction, I’ve got some recommendations for you. Even if you’re not technically a young adult, these books are good, clean fun.
Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter
I love a good suspenseful romance, especially when it’s told from both perspectives. Add in a dash of friends turned enemies to lovers, and you’ve got *chef’s kiss*. This novel by Ally Carter will keep you on the edge of your seat and restore your hope in love.
P.S. I Like You by Kasie West
This novel is just a good ol’ fashioned YA romance, and I couldn’t be happier about it. It’s hard to find clean romance these days, but Kasie West does it well. She has lots of them, including one kind of similar to my newest book, about an actress starring in her first big film. But P.S. I Like You is my very favorite of hers. It also features enemies to lovers, which is simply the best trope ever invented.
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
This is one of my favorite YA novels of all time. It’s a fairytale retelling with so much depth and detail you’ll be sucked in and forced to stay up reading for twelve straight hours. (I may or may not be speaking from personal experience).
The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Some YA fiction is so good that you can’t even summarize it. And some YA fiction has so many plot twists that you’re afraid of summarizing it because you don’t want to give it away. The False Prince falls under both categories.
Calvin by Martine Leavitt
A boy coming to terms with his schizophrenia diagnosis doesn’t exactly sound like a funny story, but somehow, Martine Leavitt manages to make it light-hearted and full of humor, while still conveying the harrowing complexity of mental illness. It’s truly a masterpiece.
Bone Gap by Laura Ruby
This book is a haunting blend of mystery, magic, and honeybees. I’ve never read a book quite like it, before or since. Oooh, I’m getting chills just thinking about it. Again, I don’t want to give too much away. Just read it, and then call me because I’ve been dying to talk to someone about it.
Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
I have my own confession to make—I read this a long time ago. But I remember loving it. It’s like Umbrella Academy, but without all the stomach-churning TV violence. So when I went to find the cover and description for this email, I realized that this book is the beginning of a four-book series! I had no idea there were more books. I guess I know what I’m reading next 😮
The Color of Lies by CJ Lyons
Speaking of thrillers, another favorite YA thriller of mine is The Color of Lies, about a girl with synesthesia—when one sense is interpreted by the brain as another sense. For example, the main character in this novel can see emotions as color. This usually isn’t a problem for her, but things get complicated when she starts seeing lies from people she thought she could trust.
Holes by Louis Sachar
Holes is an absolute classic. If you haven’t read it, you should. If you have read it, you should read it again. And then you should watch the movie.
Are there any must-read YA novels missing from my list? Let me know, and happy reading!
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